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Departmental Press Release

By Waterford City & County Council

Transboundary Environmental Public Consultation re: Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Plant, Somerset, UK

The UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (DBEIS) has invited the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in Ireland to undertake a trans-boundary public consultation in respect of environmental information relating to the Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Plant, which is understood to be under construction near Bridgwater in Somerset.

A notice in relation to the public consultation is available to view in the office of the Planning Section, and on the website of each planning authority (as well as below), together with a printed copy of the correspondence from DBEIS and associated documents identified by DBEIS as the relevant documents for the purpose of the consultation.

A copy of these documents is available for inspection or purchase from the planning authority. The notice may also be viewed in the public consultation section of the website of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government: www.housing.gov.ie, together with the correspondence from DBEIS, relevant associated documents and links provided by DBEIS to other environmental information relating to the project.

A member of the public may make a written submission or observations in relation to the potential trans-boundary environmental effects of the project, by sending them to his or her local planning authority to be received by close of business Tuesday 17 April 2018 at the latest.

Contact details in each planning authority for the receipt of submissions or observations are set out in the public consultation notice. Submissions or observations should not be made to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

By Waterford City & County Council

Drivers must remain vigilant in the aftermath of Hurricane Ophelia

Monday 16 October 2017: The Road Safety Authority (RSA), is advising people that they need to remain vigilant in the aftermath of storm Ophelia and expect the unexpected as many roads will be treacherous.

When storm Ophelia has passed the danger to road users will still be present. Many roads around the country will be blocked and treacherous with downed trees, branches and pylons. Council workers and emergency services will be out clearing these routes and people need to anticipate encountering these scenarios when using the roads.

On coastal routes there will still be a risk of encountering flooded roads. Drivers need to slow down, keep an extra distance from the vehicle in front and expect the unexpected.

Pedestrians and cyclists should be aware of potential hazards. The severe winds may have loosened roof tiles and other objects from buildings and these may still pose a potential risk. Be aware of what’s happening above you and stay clear from the edges of buildings. Leaves on footpaths and the road sides will make for slippery conditions.

Most importantly road users need to obey any road closures or detours that An Garda Síochána or Local Authorities put in place. Check your Local Authority website / Social Media accounts for updates.

For advice on severe weather driving tips, please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.

Please also see our new severe weather warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion with advice for driving on strong winds and flooded roads here.

For more weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

RSA & SEAI Urge Motorists to Check a Tyre’s Label Before Buying

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) have issued a joint appeal, ahead of National Tyre Safety Day (Wednesday 6 October), to urge motorists to check the performance label of a tyre before buying it.

This appeal follows research which has shown that up to 7 out of 10 motorists have never used a performance label to help them choose a tyre and over half said they weren’t even aware that most tyres have performance labels.

A tyre label shows the wet grip braking performance of a tyre, its fuel efficiency and the level of external noise it produces. For wet grip and fuel efficiency, it provides a rating from A-G, with A being the highest performance rating and G being the lowest. From a road safety point of view, wet grip is one of the most important performance characteristics of a tyre as it improves a vehicle’s ability to brake on wet roads. Research has shown that a tyre with a wet grip rating of F will need an extra 18 metres to stop in wet conditions when compared to an A rated tyre. That’s equivalent to the length of roughly four cars.

Ms. Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive Officer, Road Safety Authority, said: “EU law requires that all new tyres have performance labels to help consumers choose a good quality tyre that’s safe and minimises fuel consumption. Tyre retailers are also legally obliged to show or inform buyers about the information on the tyre’s label before the sale takes place and state the label values on or with the bill afterwards.”

Ms Murdock continued: “We wouldn’t choose a new cooker or washing machine without checking its quality and energy rating. So why should a tyre be any different? And if you choose a poor quality tyre because it’s cheaper, that’s ultimately the value you’re placing on your family’s life because a tyre is the only contact your car has with the road. We are advising motorists to always ask the retailer to show and explain a tyre’s performance label and choose a rating as close to A as possible”.

Mr Jim Gannon, Chief Executive Officer of SEAI which has the responsibility for market surveillance of tyre labelling compliance, added: “Although safety is obviously the primary concern from a performance perspective, a tyre with a higher fuel efficiency rating will save motorists money on fuel consumption and help the environment. A car fitted with four tyres rated A for fuel efficiency will use almost 8% less fuel than a car fitted with G rated tyres.  We want motorists to ensure they’re informed before making tyre purchase decisions.”

Tyre labelling laws only apply to new tyres being sold for cars, vans, trailers and trucks. They do not cover re-treaded tyres; professional off-road tyres (e.g. tyres used only for racing), temporary-use spare tyres; studded tyres; tyres whose speed rating is less than 80 km/h, or vintage car tyres.

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Murphy invites proposals for social housing accommodation for people with special housing needs

Mr. Eoghan Murphy TD, Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, has invited a further round of housing proposals from Approved Housing Bodies to provide independent living accommodation for people with special housing needs. Funding for this purpose is available under the Capital Assistance Scheme and there are already over 130 approved construction projects in the pipeline that are providing over 1,220 social homes for some of the most vulnerable in our society including the elderly, homeless and people with disabilities.

The completion of projects under the Capital Assistance Scheme is ramping up and has recently seen newly built housing provided by Cluid at Broome Lodge in Dublin 7, by Peter McVerry Trust at St. Agatha’s Court, Dublin 1, by Respond at Carrickmacross and by the Irish Wheelchair Association at Belmullet, Co Mayo.

“The invitation for new projects under the Capital Assistance Scheme, to add to what is already in the pipeline, will help to maximise the contribution that Approved Housing Bodies can make to meeting housing needs. We want a pipeline of delivery across all areas of social housing and, in relation to sheltered housing for the most vulnerable in our society, the Approved Housing Bodies have great capacity for delivering high quality supports”, said Minister Murphy.

Local Authorities will now issue a ‘Call for Proposals’ to invite further construction and acquisition proposals from Approved Housing Bodies to meet this important need. This new ‘Call for Proposals’ under the Capital Assistance Scheme is being made in the context of Rebuilding Ireland, the Government’s Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness. €66 million has been set aside to facilitate the delivery of accommodation this year under the Scheme – expenditure under the scheme in 2016 was €37 million.

The Minister said “The Capital Assistance Scheme projects that are now coming on stream illustrate the very high quality housing that is being provided. We want to add to the pipeline of projects already in place so that we have delivery assured for the next few years. Indeed, I am particularly keen the over 1,000 new sheltered homes already under preparation by Approved Housing Bodies get on site as soon as possible. The funding is in place and each of these projects when completed, will bring about life-changing benefits to the tenants who will live in them”.

The Minister strongly acknowledged the contribution to date of the Approved Housing Bodies in the provision and management of social housing; their role in this regard has been specifically recognised in Rebuilding Ireland.  Working with local authorities, their delivery role under the Capital Assistance Scheme meets an important range of Government priorities in the areas of housing and in improving the quality of life for a range of people with particular needs.

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Murphy publishes Planning Bill to provide for second extension to planning permissions

Eoghan Murphy, Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government has published the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2017 which provides for second extensions of planning permissions in certain circumstances.

This provision is very significant in enabling developers to complete unfinished housing developments.

The emergency Bill is being prepared to enact the relevant provision before summer recess to ensure that extensions to planning permissions are legislatively provided for in a timely manner, allowing developers to complete unfinished housing estates under certain circumstances.

Minister Murphy said “Many construction projects were put on hold during the financial crisis. As the economy began to recover much needed housing developments came up against planning deadlines for completion. The legislation I brought to Cabinet today will allow for an extension of certain planning deadlines.

There are approximately seventy five developments throughout the country awaiting commencement of these planning provisions. In the absence of this legislation work would stop on all relevant sites across the country. Today’s action helps deliver more homes and increases much needed housing supply”.

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Coveney launches the Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map

  • Over 2,000 hectares of land suitable for housing in State/Semi-State ownership identified.
  • Potential  for up to 50,000 new-build homes on these lands.
  • Dublin local authorities going to market with sites capable of delivering 3,000 new social and affordable homes in prime locations.

Mr Simon Coveney T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, today (27 April) launched the Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map, a vital initial step in the new State Housing Land Management Strategy being developed under Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework.

The map is the result of the collation of data by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government from local authorities, the Housing Agency, and other State and Semi-State bodies. The datasets being released today include details of over 700 local authority and Housing Agency owned sites totalling some 1,700 hectares, as well 30 sites (200 hectares) owned by State or Semi-State Bodies, the latter in the Greater Dublin Area and other major urban centres. The map also shows the locations of 144 active sites, encompassing some 5,200 new dwellings which are under construction in the Dublin region.

Speaking at today’s launch of the map, the Minister said, “For the first time, we have a central database of land available for housing. This map represents both the opportunity to deliver housing and also the granular data on active delivery from sites around the country.”  The Minister commended both South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council for their proactive approach in bringing forward 4 key sites that will deliver up to 3,000 much-needed social and affordable homes. These sites are located in Kilcarbery (South Dublin); and Infirmary Road, Emmet Road, and Oscar Traynor Road (Dublin City).  “I want all local authorities to take up the mantle and to bring forward sites as quickly as possible for development in this way. Opening up State-land for mixed-tenure housing is a major policy intervention: if others control scarcity in terms of land supply, they control the market. I want the State to ensure that does not happen”, the Minister said.

Today’s launch is the first phase of the map. Work is underway on collating further data layers such as social housing construction projects and private housing construction projects, which will be added over the coming months. The map accessed on http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford public encouraged to take part in Cruinniú na Cásca

Cruinniú na Cásca, a Creative Ireland initiative presented by RTÉ is a free public event which will take place in towns and cities across Ireland, on Easter Monday with a special large-scale event in Dublin, with other events around the country.

Cruinniú na Cásca is a one day celebration of culture from live music and dancing, to theatre, art and other creative workshops, including talks and food tasting, poetry readings and film screenings.

Cruinniú na Cásca events will take place in each of the 31 Local Authorities across the country. Admission is free (although tickets are required for some events with limited capacity) and there is a special focus on events for families and children.

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphries TD said, “Creative Ireland is all about putting culture and creativity at the heart of communities nationwide and Cruinniú na Cásca will do just that this Easter Monday. There will be a wide series of family friendly events right across Dublin city centre, curated by RTÉ, with events of a large and small scale also happening in every county nationwide. We want to encourage people to become involved in the cultural life of their own county through a national day of creativity.

“We have set ourselves some ambitious targets for year one of Creative Ireland, with Cruinniú na Cásca top of the list. I am delighted that people nationwide will have the opportunity to come together and participate in cultural and creative activity on Easter Monday, driving our collective wellbeing and our sense of community. I would like to acknowledge the work of all of the key partners involved in delivering the events in Dublin and the Culture Teams in the 31 Local Authorities who have helped to put together an impressive series of events, with the list still growing.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Damien English launches ‘Spring into Story-time 2017’, a new public library initiative

Minister Damien English, T.D., Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal today, 5 April 2017, announced ‘Spring into Story-time’, the latest initiative from the Public Library Service’s ‘Right to Read’ programme.

‘Spring into Story-time’ will deliver a range of story-time events for children of all ages in the 332 libraries throughout Ireland in April.  Announcing the initiative, Minister English said, ‘Spring into Story-time’ provides an ideal opportunity for children to take time to enjoy a variety of stories in their local library.  Children will experience reading as an activity which is fun, entertaining and importantly allows families to share this happy time together.’

At the launch in Pearse St Library, the Minister praised the initiative saying “it is a wonderful programme and I would encourage parents to bring their children to the local library and join in.  Reading enhances children’s well-being, creativity and imagination with better social and health outcomes and an overall better quality of life as they get older.”

Noting that library staff welcome parents to the story-time sessions, he added, “I would encourage everybody involved with children, both families and educators, to check out the list of events at their local library. The public libraries provide a fantastic opportunity to find new stories, get new ideas and learn more about favourite hobbies and interests.”

Further information can be found at http://www.librariesireland.ie/story-time or by contacting local library services.

By Waterford City & County Council

Council welcomes allocation of €4.7m LIHAF DoHPC & LG funding

Waterford City and County Council welcomes allocation of €4.7m LIHAF Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government funding.

Waterford City and County Council is working closely with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to secure the allocation of the funding which is targeted at developing enabling works in two areas of Waterford City. The proposed works include a distributor road at Kilbarry which will create a potential for 450 new housing units by 2021 and an access road at Gracedieu with a potential to access 200 new housing units by 2021. In the longer term, the proposed infrastructural investments would generate the potential for 3,700 housing units.

Michael Walsh CE of Waterford City and County Council says “The allocation of €4.7 million of LIHAF funding presents an opportunity for Waterford to ensure that the necessary infrastructure will be put in place to progress essential housing development at a time when demand is increasing”.

By Waterford City & County Council

Conference highlights vital role played by Local Authorities in developing Tourism

The local government sector is hosting a national tourism conference entitled ‘Collaborate Locally to Compete Globally’ on 29th and 30th March in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

#LocalTourism

Supported by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS), the conference will hear from a number of key speakers, including Jim Deegan, Professor of Tourism at Limerick University, Raymond Coyle of Tayto Park, Paul Kelly from Fáilte Ireland, David McLoughlin of the Wexford Opera Festival and Simon Kay of Center Parcs.

This event will highlight the significant Irish success stories in tourism, share key learnings, and highlight the role of local authorities in facilitating this success. The Irish tourism market is supported by very targeted and active participation by local government and in partnership with a number of government agencies, who work very positively on national, regional and local initiatives.

Between 2011 and 2016, the local government sector leveraged a total capital investment of €170.9 million in tourist attractions, with €73.3 million of this investment made by local authorities, while the matching €97.6 million capital was made by other stakeholders (e.g Fáilte Ireland, DTTAS). This supported 259 attractions and plans are advancing for a further 121 new tourism products.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council welcomes “Building Creative Communities” initiative

Enabling creativity in every community is a core pillar of the Creative Ireland Programme, an ambitious five-year initiative, from 2017 to 2022, which will place our strongest assets – our culture and creative communities – at the centre of public policy.

In 2016, Waterford City and County Council demonstrated their unique capacity to activate and support community engagement and participation in marking the Centenary year through a wide range of arts, culture and heritage initiatives.

Heather Humphreys, Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with Mr Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council

Creative Ireland aims to build on this success by developing a dedicated Culture and Creativity Plan for Waterford.  2017 will see a special focus on children and young people and aim to significantly increase access for children to high quality arts and culture experiences.

A network of highly experienced librarians, arts officers and heritage officers has been set up across all 31 local authorities with a series of public meetings being held over the next four weeks to share, develop and explore ideas for increased investment in local arts, culture and creative industries.

Additional funding to support the initiative will be made available through the Creative Ireland Programme in 2017 with the potential for further investment over the next four years.  Jane Cantwell has been appointed Creative Ireland Coordinator for Waterford City and County Council.  In addition, all the agencies of Government will be activated to embed creativity across all aspects of their work and use that creative potential to promote collective wellbeing and social cohesion.

Waterford City and County Council and the Creative Ireland National Team will host an open meeting on the 5th of April 2017 at 6:30pm in the Large Room, City Hall to share details about the programme and to explore opportunities.  Full details of the Creative Ireland Programme are available at creative.ireland.ie 

By Waterford City & County Council

Heritage Council selects seven new monuments under 2017 Adopt a Monument Scheme

Knockboy Medieval Parish Church, Co. Waterford is amongst the sites to benefit from specialist expertise and mentoring.

Seven new sites have been chosen to take part in the 2017 Adopt a Monument Scheme run by the Heritage Council. The sites from across Ireland range in size and date from an early medieval ringfort in Limerick, to the precarious ruins of a medieval castle on an Atlantic cliff in Donegal and a nineteenth century mining landscape in Slieveardagh, County Tipperary.

Speaking about the sites chosen, Ian Doyle, Head of Conservation at The Heritage Council said,  “While it was originally planned to have just four new sites join the Scheme, we received over 50 applications from community groups across Ireland. The energy and enthusiasm of the seven groups shortlisted made it impossible to choose between them. Each of the sites are unique and represent important aspects of Ireland’s heritage. We are really looking forward to working with the community in each area to uncover the stories of their local archeological and heritage site”, added Doyle.

The seven sites chosen include;

  • Knockboy Medieval Parish Church, County Waterford
  • Kilbarron Castle, County Donegal
  • Mountbellew Walled Garden, County Galway
  • St. Molaing’s Millrace, St. Mullins, County Carlow
  • Old St. Peter’s Church, Portlaoise, County Laois
  • Earlshill Colliery and Powder House, Slieveardagh, County Tipperary
  • Kilfinane Motte, County Limerick

– Download full press release
– Heritage Council website

By Waterford City & County Council

RSA and An Garda Síochána Renew Drink Driving Message For St Patrick’s Festival

March is the second most dangerous month of the year for alcohol related collisions.
10 March 2017: As the St Patrick’s Festival approaches, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are asking all road users to act responsibly when travelling on the roads this weekend. In particular, drivers are being reminded that any amount of alcohol can impair driving.

The tragic consequences of drink-driving are evident in the RSA’s pre-crash report, published last year, which examined alcohol as a factor in fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012. It found that a worrying 38% of all fatal collisions involved a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian who had consumed alcohol. Of this 38% of fatal collisions:

  • 29% involved a driver or motorcyclist  who had consumed alcohol
  • 9% involved a pedestrian who had consumed alcohol

Ms Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the RSA said,

“Although, the St Patricks Festival is a period of national celebration, and we want people to have fun, we are reminding road users that March is a real danger zone for alcohol related road deaths. March accounts for 11% of alcohol related collisions, it’s the second most dangerous month of the year for alcohol related incidents.”

“Drink-driving destroys lives – at best, you could lose your licence but far worse, is the possibility of seriously injuring or killing someone on the roads. If you decide to go out, make a plan for getting home in advance; nominate a designated driver, use public transport or arrange a taxi to bring you to and from your destination. Remember, any alcohol impairs driving.”

Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn, Roads Policing, said,

“Over 1300 people have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant since the beginning of the year.  We would like to remind road-users that An Garda Síochána will be out in force over the St Patricks Day festival to monitor all high risk behaviour, including drink driving.”

“We want everyone to enjoy the St. Patricks Festival without the fear of meeting a driver that’s impaired. So this weekend, we ask you to also do your bit to support the local community and stop these drivers from putting lives at risk. If they don’t listen, phone the Gardai and report it, you might save a life.” Concluded Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn.

To raise awareness of the dangers of drink driving, the RSA and sporting legend Davy Fitzgerald have produced a social media campaign aimed at preventing young men from drink driving. The video targets young males aged 18 to 34 years and Davy Fitzgerald delivering a ‘half time dressing down’ for daring to drink drive. The video will be promoted online and though social media.

For further information please contact:

RSA Communications Office: 096 25008 or email mediadept@rsa.ie 
Or
Brian Farrell, Communications Manager: 0863881009
Or
Garda Press Office: 01 6662030 or email pressoffice@garda.ie

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